At Rare Cancers Australia (RCA), we know how powerful hope can be. For many of the patients and families that we support, it can be the difference between moving forward and giving up. It can act as a raft when lost in what can feel like a storm of confusion, doubt, fear and loneliness.
That is why we are driven to deliver hope in all that we do, and why we are starting the year sharing some of our hopes for 2023.
Christine, General Manager
“We want to see the tools we use to ensure each patient’s unique needs and strengths are identified and prioritised, are accessible to every Australian who is experiencing or caring for someone with a rare, less common or complex cancera disease where abnormal cells split without control and spread to other nearby body tissue and/or organs.
“In 2023, we will continue to grow the very heart of Rare Cancers Australia – our Patient Support services.
“Our model addresses the whole person in their unique circumstances, leveraging their own strengths to take on their cancer journeywhat a person experiences/lives from the time they think they have cancer. Every Australian living with cancer deserves this kind of personalised support, and our goal is to ensure all those who want this will be able to get it.”
Plum, Head of Policy and Public Affairs
“With the pandemic’s ongoing riskthe possibility that something bad will happen to our patients and the increasing burden on our healthcare system, I hope that this year we can do more to ensure all cancer patients receive safe, timely and affordable access to the care they need.
“Equity of access to the best available care and treatment has never been so important.”
Beth, Specialist Cancer Navigator
“With the rising cost of living, my hope for this year is that more people reach out for support.
“That could be by accessing our support groups, peer support, chatting to a Specialist Cancer Navigator, or by simply talking to a loved one over a nice, warm cup of tea. During times of uncertainty it’s important people feel supported and that is my biggest hope for 2023.”
Jaime, Specialist Cancer Navigator
“Too often we hear from patients and families that they wish they knew about us sooner. They tell us that if they had known about Rare Cancers Australia from the start, perhaps their journeys would not have been as complicated and stressful. Perhaps they would not have felt so alone.
“I want to make sure we are there for all those in need of support, from the very beginning. I want to make sure they are equipped with the right information and know their options. I want to make sure they are on a path, and not lost in the complexities of a rare cancer diagnosisthe process of identifying a disease based on signs and symptoms, patient history and medical test results.
“In 2023, I want to raise greater awareness of Rare Cancers Australia so more people can access our supports at an earlier stage.”
Jacqui, Senior Accounts/Administration Officer
“I hope that we can expand our current collaborations with cell therapy providers to assist patients with navigating the logistics of travel and accommodation during their treatment by providing financial and social support.”
Cathy, EA to CEO
“My hope for 2023 is to make it to the summit for the Kosi Challenge in March and help raise much needed funds for RCA along the way.
“I am currently in training – walking to and from work each day and swimming laps a couple of times a week to give myself a good chance! Sometimes when I’m struggling to make it up that steep hill just before home, or swim just one more lap, I am reminded of those who really struggle with a rare or complex cancer diagnosis. This helps me to keep going, the knowledge that I’m making a difference to the people that we support.”
Natalie, Events and Fundraising Manager
“My goal is to grow each of our annual signature events (the Kosi Challenge, CanForum and the Halloween Ball) both in fundraising and reach.
“I’d also like to continue to build relationships with those affected by rare, less common and complex cancers within the community and those who fundraise and create awareness for RCA – they are the reason we do what we do and it’s a privilege to get to know them.”
Nikki, Corporate Relationship Manager
“In 2023, I want to ensure that my connections with our stakeholders means that more people hear about RCA and the work that we do. Too many times I hear that people wished they knew about us and had help from our Patient Support Team sooner.
“As I grow relationships in 2023, my hope is to also grow awareness. Through my interactions, I want to make sure more people know who we are and that no Australian should have to go through their cancer journey alone because we can walk beside them every step of the way.”
Christina, Pinnacle Lead
“My goal for 2023 would be to drive smaller group and 1:1 focussed support for patient organisations.
“We hope that this will provide a much more personalised approach and help them achieve their goals. I am also looking forward to seeing all the amazing things our Pinnacle program members will achieve in 2023.”
Kathie, Online Project Officer
“My goal for 2023 is to continue to expand the Medicines Access Portal (MAP).
“Ensuring all Compassionate Access Programs for cancer patients are housed here will help Oncologythe study, diagnosis and treatment of cancer Specialists to more readily source the latest treatments for patients with limited options.
“All patients deserve to know their options, regardless of the rarity of their cancer. My hope is that resources, like MAP, will help achieve this and allow for more equity for patients.”
Alexander, IT Specialist
“My goals for 2023 are to be able to produce high quality, entertaining, and informative content for our online audience in the hope that we can make just one person’ cancer journey a little easier, and to best support the RCA Team with the most efficient, accessible, and reliable IT Systems to best support our patients.
“It is my hope that we can reach every Australian out there who has been diagnosed with a rare or less common cancer, and make sure they are not alone.”
James, Marketing Manager
“I believe that our Marketing is an extension of our Patient Support team. My aim for this year is that with every piece of content, news article, newsletter, project or social media post we offer a spark of hope that provides even the smallest level of comfort for those in our care and those who are yet to find our services.
“We see you; you are not alone.”
Casey, Communications Manager
“My hope is that we can reach more people living with rare cancer and connect them with the information, support and guidance they deserve.”
Nikkie, Communications Manager
“Connection is so important. It can lift us up and drive us to do better, be better. In 2023, I want to work with more of the rare cancer community, to build and encourage more meaningful connections, and to share their stories and messages of hope.”
The RCA team specialise in and are passionate about supporting Australians who have no straightforward path through their cancer journey. No matter how hard it gets, we are in your corner.
If you need support, our Specialist Cancer Navigators can help on 1800 257 600 or at [email protected]